• The 30th edition of the Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercise (SIMBEX) began in Singapore on September 21. 

• SIMBEX is an annual bilateral naval exercise between the Indian Navy and Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN).

• It has been conducted since 1994. It was initially known as Exercise Lion King.

• SIMBEX holds the distinction of being the longest continuous naval exercise that the Indian Navy has with any other country.

• SIMBEX-2023 is being conducted in two phases — Harbour Phase from September 21 to 24 , followed by a Sea Phase. 

• Indian Naval Ships Ranvijay and Kavaratti, submarine INS Sindhukesari and Long-Range Maritime Patrol Aircraft P8I are participating in the exercise.

• The Harbour Phase will witness a wide range of professional interactions, cross-deck visits, Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEE) and sports fixtures, aimed at enhancing interoperability and mutual understanding between the two navies.

• The Sea Phase will involve complex and advanced air defence exercises, gunnery firings, tactical manoeuvres, anti-submarine exercises and other maritime operations. Units of both the navies will endeavour to hone their war-fighting skills while consolidating their capability to undertake multi-discipline operations jointly in the maritime domain.

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